REMEMBER Terry Gibson? Well, we've signed him and while he won't be kicking a football he'll be looking into his crystal ball and bringing us his best Spanish tips every week.
The ex-Spurs, Coventry and Manchester United striker is probably best remembered for his time as part of the infamous Wimbledon Crazy Gang side of the late 80s and early 90s. Now an expert in all things La Liga he works as a pundit and co-commentator on Sky Sports’ Spanish football coverage and is a contributor to unibet.
Here he previews two Thursday fixtures.
Real Sociedad v Atletico Madrid (Thu 6.30pm)
I’m backing a surprise in this match. Like Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad have also underachieved this season. That has resulted in the recent sacking of coach Eusebio Sacristan who has been replaced from within the club by Imanol Alguacil.
The response has been good. It’s two wins and a draw under the new boss and after back to back wins I’m going for a surprise in this game. Real Sociedad have found some form with a 5-0 win last time out at home against Girona, backed up on Saturday with a 1-0 win on the road at Las Palmas and I’m going for Real to prevail in this game.
Atletico have, and are still having, a tough schedule. Simeone doesn’t have the biggest of squads and rotation hasn’t been much of a possibility for him recently. Costa looks set to miss out again through injury and it’s possible that Fernando Torres might start after coming off the bench to score in the 3-0 win at the Wanda against Levante on Sunday.
The extra day’s rest just might tell in this match. Antoine Griezmann returns to the Anoeta but I’ve a feeling he could leave on this occasion disappointed. I’m backing a rejuvenated Real Sociedad to win by 2-1 with Willian Jose getting them off to a flyer.
Terry's Tips
- Sociedad 2, Altetico 1 (10-1, Unibet)
- Willian Jose to score first (6-1, Unibet)
- Both teams to score (4-5, Unibet)
Real Betis v Las Palmas (Thu 8.30pm)
Real Betis are certainly the in-form team at the moment in this league. It’s 5 straight wins and they haven’t conceded in the last four. It’s been pleasant to watch a coach build from the front as opposed to the norm but as the season has gone on, Betis under Quique Setien have certainly improved defensively.
The signing of Marc Bartra from Dortmund has been crucial and since his arrival the team has gone from strength to strength. The evergreen 37-year-old Joaquin is still a massive influence and Betis now have four strikers capable of finishing the chances off that the team create.
It’s hard to know who will start in this game up front with Loren Moron netting the winner in the last game at Girona. In that game he lined up alongside Sergio Leon. Long term injured absentee Antonio Sanabria retuned off the bench in that game and another 37-year-old Ruben Castro didn’t even make the squad.
For Las Palmas it really is looking ominous and they are running out of time. With just one win away all season whilst conceding 33 and only scoring just seven times, it’s hard to make a case that they will be the team to put a stop to Betis and their march towards a Europa League spot.
With Betis in fifth and backed by passionate support, who are loving life at the moment, I believe there is only one winner in this game. I’m going to back Loren Moron to get the opening goal in at least a 3-0 victory for Real Betis.
Terry's Tips
- Betis 3, Las Palmas 0 (17-2, Unibet)
- Loren Moron to score first (15-4, Unibet)
- Betis win to nil (33-20, Unibet)
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An ex-Tottenham, Coventry and Manchester United striker, Terry is probably best remembered for his time as part of the infamous Wimbledon Crazy Gang side of the late 80s and early 90s. Now an expert in all things La Liga, he works as a pundit and co-commentator on Sky Sports’ Spanish football coverage.
